I am not venturing out too much today. I put out the garbage can last night so I didn't have to do it this morning. The drapes and curtains are drawn and the AC is set at a comfortable temperature. The best thing I ever did in my life was to purchase Fijitsu units that go on the wall and never come down. I made that decision after one weekend when I did not yet have the window air conditioning units in and the temperatures inside my house rose to ninety-four degrees. That was the same weekend when a fluky thing happened to my furnace that ended up spewing oil over the cement floor around the unit.
It was on a Sunday that I'm calling my oil company's emergency line. Within an hour they were on the scene. The furnace was only six months old at the time. I still remember them burning off the fuel and thick black smoke spewing from my chimney into the quiet summer air. Horrendous. And during that same period a lightning storm fried my modem. Come Monday I had the repair guys from the oil company and the phone company inside this house, and both could not imagine how I could live here with 90 plus temps. My basement was the only place I could go to escape the heat at the time but because of the problems with the furnace, the smell of the oil, and the problem with the phone line upstairs I found myself having to stay upstairs and deal with the heat.
The repairman mentioned Fijitsu units that would essentially give me central air. My eyes opened wide, hope soared inside me that I could actually start to live a more comfortable life than what I was living. I thought back to the first winter as a widow and the first blizzard where the wind actually blew my drapes back and forth. At the time I did have an airconditioning unit still inside the window so that cold air coming through the sides of it was fast negating the warmth that a 40 plus year old furnace could muster. There I was at midnight duct taping sheets of plastic to a large picture window, side windows, over the entire airconditioning unit, plus a doorway and whatever else I detected frigid air coming through.
These Fijitsu's also pump out heat as well. I thought well with the new furnace and these Fijitsu's I may never suffer through another harsh winter or hot sultry summer again. Besides, I am getting old...older, and my body no longer is able to adapt to extreme temperatures. I had them install not one, not two, but three of these units.
Today we will have triple digit temps outside. It's morning and my temp gauge reads 94 outside, 76 inside. Humidity is low inside, and barely breathable outside.
I'm sitting here in relative comfort thanks to my decision to buy these units, which are also so quiet I have to look at them to see if they're on by the red light.
Gone are the days of spending summer days down in my basement, or sleeping on a pull out sofa in my family room because it several degrees cooler in there.
Yep, it's damn hot out there. I'm staying indoors today.
Marie Visone Roy - Contemporary Romance Novelist
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
TO LOVE A SOLDIER
This is a review from Amazing Authors Showcase for my book formerly A Soldier's Fortune and retitled To Love A Soldier. I thought this would be a perfect time to re-introduce this story for the upcoming July 4th weekend. This book hasn't received much exposure over the years, in fact very little. I now retain all rights so am able to upload it to the various publishers' websites such as Amazon and Smashwords.
You can click on Amazon to order your ebook today.
Or if you like you can click on Smashwords to get a copy of To Love A Soldier.
Below is one of several reviews where To Love A Soldier (formerly A Soldier's Fortune earned itself four stars!
"A wonderful romance that spans decades, Ms. Roy has broken the mold of the same old same old in romantic fiction to bring us a down-to-earth hero and heroine.
Thirty years ago Sean McIntyre broke Lia Stewart's heart when he didn't show up for their scheduled elopement. She'd left the meeting place hurt and dejected, believing Sean had let her down in love. She left Split Maple Ridge with no intentions of returning.
Sean had dropped out of Harvard Law and enlisted in the service and became a Medevac helicopter pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. Now he owns McIntyre Construction where he hires Vietnam Vets to work for him. A job lands him in Split Maple Ridge, Vermont to develop some land for a condo building project. Lia's father, Eliah Stewart, plans on stopping the development even if it means shooting at the workers from a tree. He believes Native American artifacts will be destroyed if the project continues.
Lia rushes to Vermont to mount a archeological rescue dig to pacify her cantankerous old father and keep him out of jail. She hadn't planned on staying long, but Eliah breaks a leg and Sean offers them a place to stay until he's recovered.
Lia and Sean are still drawn to each other. Thirty years couldn't erase those old feeling, but both carry secrets about the night of their foiled elopement that needs to be out in the open before they can start anew.
Can love survive over time and distance, secrets and lies? To Love A Soldier makes you believe love really can conquer all."
You can click on Amazon to order your ebook today.
Or if you like you can click on Smashwords to get a copy of To Love A Soldier.
Below is one of several reviews where To Love A Soldier (formerly A Soldier's Fortune earned itself four stars!
"A wonderful romance that spans decades, Ms. Roy has broken the mold of the same old same old in romantic fiction to bring us a down-to-earth hero and heroine.
Thirty years ago Sean McIntyre broke Lia Stewart's heart when he didn't show up for their scheduled elopement. She'd left the meeting place hurt and dejected, believing Sean had let her down in love. She left Split Maple Ridge with no intentions of returning.
Sean had dropped out of Harvard Law and enlisted in the service and became a Medevac helicopter pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. Now he owns McIntyre Construction where he hires Vietnam Vets to work for him. A job lands him in Split Maple Ridge, Vermont to develop some land for a condo building project. Lia's father, Eliah Stewart, plans on stopping the development even if it means shooting at the workers from a tree. He believes Native American artifacts will be destroyed if the project continues.
Lia rushes to Vermont to mount a archeological rescue dig to pacify her cantankerous old father and keep him out of jail. She hadn't planned on staying long, but Eliah breaks a leg and Sean offers them a place to stay until he's recovered.
Lia and Sean are still drawn to each other. Thirty years couldn't erase those old feeling, but both carry secrets about the night of their foiled elopement that needs to be out in the open before they can start anew.
Can love survive over time and distance, secrets and lies? To Love A Soldier makes you believe love really can conquer all."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Today's Youth
I know there are kids out there actually willing to learn. Yet, a little while ago a neighbor's son comes over and without asking starts to go through stuff that is on my shelves. I was in the other room. I didn't particularly liked his touching my stuff without asking my permission. And when he picks up a National Geographic DVD on the Universe and asked, "Did you really watch this?" I said yes. His reply, "Boring."
That tells me a lot about this misguided soul who feels that the world around us boring, that learning about it, and discovering new things about it is not worth his time.
There are so many inane boring reality shows on TV that this generation has no awareness of that what surrounds them in terms of enlightenment, and basically a solid understanding of our world can set them on a course that will feed their curiosity for years to come.
Sad indeed.
Of course when I mentioned that to truly understand the Universe you need a good understanding of math...well hello...that's when I really lost his focus.
The fact that I was working and trying to finish a writing project probably contributed to my impatience with his lack of insight as well as his inability to truly understand that learning about the Universe puts you into a place where one's perspectives about the world can be changed.
As if he could understand that or even attempt to comprehend.
Thankfully I had just finished watching a news clip about two young men who won a prestigious award that may indeed help find a fast and less aggressive treatment for killing cancer cells. That restored my faith that today's youth are on track and our answers about so many things for the future.
Anyway I was not in a particularly good mood when my neighbors left. I feel bad about it but by the same token I don't like when I'm criticized for the material I read, or watch, and enjoy.
How many times have people come into my house and criticized the fact that I have a lot of books. Some have looked at me as if I'm crazy. Yet...I do not go over to their house and look through their things. I know better. I respect others because of my empathy that they may not like the idea of me going through their things.
Which basically tells me that "respect for others" and "empathy for others" are greatly lacking in some of today's youth.
I think if there was more respect and empathy we wouldn't be a world of nations against nations...religions against religions. Instead there could be more hope for this world instead of a world that may end May 21, 2011.
I now need to get back to my writing project that is about ready to be released.
That tells me a lot about this misguided soul who feels that the world around us boring, that learning about it, and discovering new things about it is not worth his time.
There are so many inane boring reality shows on TV that this generation has no awareness of that what surrounds them in terms of enlightenment, and basically a solid understanding of our world can set them on a course that will feed their curiosity for years to come.
Sad indeed.
Of course when I mentioned that to truly understand the Universe you need a good understanding of math...well hello...that's when I really lost his focus.
The fact that I was working and trying to finish a writing project probably contributed to my impatience with his lack of insight as well as his inability to truly understand that learning about the Universe puts you into a place where one's perspectives about the world can be changed.
As if he could understand that or even attempt to comprehend.
Thankfully I had just finished watching a news clip about two young men who won a prestigious award that may indeed help find a fast and less aggressive treatment for killing cancer cells. That restored my faith that today's youth are on track and our answers about so many things for the future.
Anyway I was not in a particularly good mood when my neighbors left. I feel bad about it but by the same token I don't like when I'm criticized for the material I read, or watch, and enjoy.
How many times have people come into my house and criticized the fact that I have a lot of books. Some have looked at me as if I'm crazy. Yet...I do not go over to their house and look through their things. I know better. I respect others because of my empathy that they may not like the idea of me going through their things.
Which basically tells me that "respect for others" and "empathy for others" are greatly lacking in some of today's youth.
I think if there was more respect and empathy we wouldn't be a world of nations against nations...religions against religions. Instead there could be more hope for this world instead of a world that may end May 21, 2011.
I now need to get back to my writing project that is about ready to be released.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Transitions Are Difficult!
"As you know, transitions are not easy. I'd love to get your advice on how you've handled transitions in your own life," she said in a video posted on YouTube."
This is a statement made by Maria Shriver. I read it today in a posting on Yahoo which basically announced Maria Shriver's separation from her husband Arnold. I was very sad to hear about the separation. Married 25 years you have to wonder how difficult it really is for two people to stay together especially in today's sometimes chaotic as well as confusing society.
Nonetheless transitions are not easy because they take time. And in the process we who go through them become very confused ourselves and even our lives may take on a chaos that we had not thought possible.
In a way seeing Ms. Shriver's statement about transitions and the fact that she does not know what she's doing at this time while going through the process made me feel slightly better about my own life. I've gone through so many transitions during the course of my lifetime...as a single adult, then married, and motherhood, then employed...unemployed (three times losing jobs through outward reasons) and then widowhood. I'm now transitioning into a phase of my life where I really need to think about what I enjoy doing most as opposed to what I need to do the most.
I'll reach another milestone next month. The fact that this is happening kind of preys on my mind at times reminding me that our time here on this earth is well limited rather than unlimited.
Yet inside I feel the same as I did when I was in my 20's, 30's, 40's...but that's in my mind. My body tells me different. And that's when I know I am transitioning again into a mindset that tells me whoa...you can't do everything you used to do, and if you want to do it in moderation.
I read somewhere that when we transition at times we might feel a bit crazy inside only because somewhere in our mind we are making the necessary readjustments that will allow us to eventually make that transition to whatever we need to be at this time in our lives.
To do this I guess my advice to Maria Shriver is to do what I've done...simply let go, relax, and for a time just "be!" Focus on our passions in life, do what we truly enjoy doing, and then slowly allow the mind to settle from the chaos that was produced by the unsettling.
I find that at times when I look into a mirror I don't recognize the person I see, or I don't really relate to that person I see. That tells me somewhere inside my brain things need to start clicking until it all comes together.
And frankly I think this takes a lifetime to do.
This is a statement made by Maria Shriver. I read it today in a posting on Yahoo which basically announced Maria Shriver's separation from her husband Arnold. I was very sad to hear about the separation. Married 25 years you have to wonder how difficult it really is for two people to stay together especially in today's sometimes chaotic as well as confusing society.
Nonetheless transitions are not easy because they take time. And in the process we who go through them become very confused ourselves and even our lives may take on a chaos that we had not thought possible.
In a way seeing Ms. Shriver's statement about transitions and the fact that she does not know what she's doing at this time while going through the process made me feel slightly better about my own life. I've gone through so many transitions during the course of my lifetime...as a single adult, then married, and motherhood, then employed...unemployed (three times losing jobs through outward reasons) and then widowhood. I'm now transitioning into a phase of my life where I really need to think about what I enjoy doing most as opposed to what I need to do the most.
I'll reach another milestone next month. The fact that this is happening kind of preys on my mind at times reminding me that our time here on this earth is well limited rather than unlimited.
Yet inside I feel the same as I did when I was in my 20's, 30's, 40's...but that's in my mind. My body tells me different. And that's when I know I am transitioning again into a mindset that tells me whoa...you can't do everything you used to do, and if you want to do it in moderation.
I read somewhere that when we transition at times we might feel a bit crazy inside only because somewhere in our mind we are making the necessary readjustments that will allow us to eventually make that transition to whatever we need to be at this time in our lives.
To do this I guess my advice to Maria Shriver is to do what I've done...simply let go, relax, and for a time just "be!" Focus on our passions in life, do what we truly enjoy doing, and then slowly allow the mind to settle from the chaos that was produced by the unsettling.
I find that at times when I look into a mirror I don't recognize the person I see, or I don't really relate to that person I see. That tells me somewhere inside my brain things need to start clicking until it all comes together.
And frankly I think this takes a lifetime to do.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Spring has Sprung!
Except I'm still wearing my winter clothing. There is something in the air as well. A tightness in my chest tells me this. I'm trying not to panic, at least not as much as I did several weeks ago to the extent I would land myself into the ER.
At my age you just need to rule everything out. That plus the fact I was also experiencing deja vu from remembering that my husband had also been experiencing similar symptoms as I was. We did not panic, he did not get himself to the ER, consequently I've been a widow going on nine years.
So I tell myself understandably I would become somewhat alarm and want to check things out.
Still, the other day the same symptoms came and this time I purposely waited it out, hoping that I was doing the right thing. The tightness comes and goes, and the inability to take a full breath as well. Of course when I dwell on it more, it worsens, when I get busy with other things it lessens. This tells me to take it minute by minute.
The fact that I also suffer a panic disorders since adolescent doesn't help the situation any. Like anyone with an affliction we learn to live with these shortcomings. Except for me I look totally okay on the outside, yet try to explain to anyone why I don't venture out sometimes is an exercise in futility. So goes the old saying "walk in my shoes," then perhaps an understanding will arise.
I think all this helps in my writing to the extent that I know characters as do people do or not do things because of underlining, sometimes well hidden causes.
None of us want to be known as "nutcases." Or unable to cope with what this world can throw at us. Although the world is getting crazier and things are well pretty stressful.
I came across the sentence in a newscast about the recent aftershock in Japan by a coincidentally 64 year old woman.
"Even the way the clouds move isn't right."
I thought to myself, that's how I have been regarding the weather here as well. I mean I look up into the sky and there is something more there and if we make ourselves become more aware of what is going on on this earth then perhaps we can get some insight as to what is really happening.
Yes there are the prophecies notably what is supposed to happen in the year 2012, specifically December 21, 2012 by what the Mayan calendar tells us.
Yet cultures before us who have thrived and passed on all prophesy the end of days and if any of them had occurred I would not now be writing this blog.
Fortunately, I don't dwell much on that stuff. You can't because it is beyond anyone's control to do anything about it.
I pretty much live in the present. At times the present presents me occurrences that can throw me into a tailspin. This past winter was difficult for me in terms of getting through it. Maybe because I'm older, feel less able to handle things as well as I used to and know my body no matter how well I take care of it is getting more fragile as time goes by.
Yet every day I make it a point to do something purposeful, especially with my writing. Under my pen name I work on my mini series. And continue on a project involving letters between my mom and dad during WWII. Talk about scary times. I may have been born after the war but the effects of that time affected my childhood in ways that only now I am beginning to put together.
I think I can only say for now my father survived the war, but my mom who waited for him here on the homefront did not in terms of a mental illness that caused her to suffer huge emotional, psychological, as well as neurological disorders throughout my and my sister's developmental years.
Holy cow! Enough of that.
I'm going to go out and see if I can spot some more Robins. There is a thin veil of clouds covering the sky allowing no sun to come through. No wonder I'm so contemplative, and delving into a past that still carries so many truths and revelations.
And even I can say here thousands of miles from that other 64-year-old woman, "Even the way the clouds move isn't right."
At my age you just need to rule everything out. That plus the fact I was also experiencing deja vu from remembering that my husband had also been experiencing similar symptoms as I was. We did not panic, he did not get himself to the ER, consequently I've been a widow going on nine years.
So I tell myself understandably I would become somewhat alarm and want to check things out.
Still, the other day the same symptoms came and this time I purposely waited it out, hoping that I was doing the right thing. The tightness comes and goes, and the inability to take a full breath as well. Of course when I dwell on it more, it worsens, when I get busy with other things it lessens. This tells me to take it minute by minute.
The fact that I also suffer a panic disorders since adolescent doesn't help the situation any. Like anyone with an affliction we learn to live with these shortcomings. Except for me I look totally okay on the outside, yet try to explain to anyone why I don't venture out sometimes is an exercise in futility. So goes the old saying "walk in my shoes," then perhaps an understanding will arise.
I think all this helps in my writing to the extent that I know characters as do people do or not do things because of underlining, sometimes well hidden causes.
None of us want to be known as "nutcases." Or unable to cope with what this world can throw at us. Although the world is getting crazier and things are well pretty stressful.
I came across the sentence in a newscast about the recent aftershock in Japan by a coincidentally 64 year old woman.
"Even the way the clouds move isn't right."
I thought to myself, that's how I have been regarding the weather here as well. I mean I look up into the sky and there is something more there and if we make ourselves become more aware of what is going on on this earth then perhaps we can get some insight as to what is really happening.
Yes there are the prophecies notably what is supposed to happen in the year 2012, specifically December 21, 2012 by what the Mayan calendar tells us.
Yet cultures before us who have thrived and passed on all prophesy the end of days and if any of them had occurred I would not now be writing this blog.
Fortunately, I don't dwell much on that stuff. You can't because it is beyond anyone's control to do anything about it.
I pretty much live in the present. At times the present presents me occurrences that can throw me into a tailspin. This past winter was difficult for me in terms of getting through it. Maybe because I'm older, feel less able to handle things as well as I used to and know my body no matter how well I take care of it is getting more fragile as time goes by.
Yet every day I make it a point to do something purposeful, especially with my writing. Under my pen name I work on my mini series. And continue on a project involving letters between my mom and dad during WWII. Talk about scary times. I may have been born after the war but the effects of that time affected my childhood in ways that only now I am beginning to put together.
I think I can only say for now my father survived the war, but my mom who waited for him here on the homefront did not in terms of a mental illness that caused her to suffer huge emotional, psychological, as well as neurological disorders throughout my and my sister's developmental years.
Holy cow! Enough of that.
I'm going to go out and see if I can spot some more Robins. There is a thin veil of clouds covering the sky allowing no sun to come through. No wonder I'm so contemplative, and delving into a past that still carries so many truths and revelations.
And even I can say here thousands of miles from that other 64-year-old woman, "Even the way the clouds move isn't right."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Winter Woes!
What a winter! I'm sure everyone here in CT will agree with over thirty roof collapses, one occurring not less than five minutes from me.
And if that's not enough we're going to have to watch out for flooding when the warmer weather starts setting in. I have mounds of snow in my backyard and wonder where is it all going to go once it starts the melting process.
This has been a winter of distractions for me and for my writing. The flow has been interrupted with thoughts of roof cave ins, possible power outages, and a dog that needs grooming. I had scheduled to bring her in this Monday. I called to ensure their roof had been shoveled. Not yet. I canceled the appointment.
I do know spring is not far. Peering through my bay window this past Sunday I spotted a flock of geese flying in perfect formation toward one of my favorite places...a small lake in our town where geese go to nest. I can't wait when I can go take walks there. It is a place for reflection where I can get my mind back into a calmer state.
The words "life is short" echo more now than ever before. Goals for me have changed some although I'm still focused on writing my stories. I do know because of what has occurred during these past eight years I'm always alert to possibilities of things either falling by the wayside or actually going at a good pace.
During these types of winters one has to realize that weather can call the shots. So I go accordingly.
Ideas for stories are spinning around inside my brain just waiting for release.
I hope that the weather will give us all a bit of a reprieve this week. It looks like it's doing just that. I look forward to going dancing this weekend. And I hope I'll keep dancing my way right into spring!
And if that's not enough we're going to have to watch out for flooding when the warmer weather starts setting in. I have mounds of snow in my backyard and wonder where is it all going to go once it starts the melting process.
This has been a winter of distractions for me and for my writing. The flow has been interrupted with thoughts of roof cave ins, possible power outages, and a dog that needs grooming. I had scheduled to bring her in this Monday. I called to ensure their roof had been shoveled. Not yet. I canceled the appointment.
I do know spring is not far. Peering through my bay window this past Sunday I spotted a flock of geese flying in perfect formation toward one of my favorite places...a small lake in our town where geese go to nest. I can't wait when I can go take walks there. It is a place for reflection where I can get my mind back into a calmer state.
The words "life is short" echo more now than ever before. Goals for me have changed some although I'm still focused on writing my stories. I do know because of what has occurred during these past eight years I'm always alert to possibilities of things either falling by the wayside or actually going at a good pace.
During these types of winters one has to realize that weather can call the shots. So I go accordingly.
Ideas for stories are spinning around inside my brain just waiting for release.
I hope that the weather will give us all a bit of a reprieve this week. It looks like it's doing just that. I look forward to going dancing this weekend. And I hope I'll keep dancing my way right into spring!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Holidays Over!
The last blog was made before Christmas and here we are into the new year of 2011.
This again puts a whole lot of stuff into perspective. Time does not wait, and as we or as I get older it definitely does not stand still.
I do know the more I approach another milestone which will come mid year for me I definitely will try to live my life in a way that appreciates more and more what I have in the present.
I'll do what needs to be done but by the same token focus more on living a better life, and hopefully helping others do as well.
I think enjoying the company of others -- friends and family, even strangers we may encounter at the supermarket, drugstore, or anywhere that brings people together.
I know when I was years younger I felt I had all the time in the world. Lately, I feel that less and less as I go through my ordinary days. It doesn't necessarily mean I want to travel a lot although that is in the mix, but I think more toward learning, understanding, and grasping even just a little of the mysteries that surround us all.
Just this week there were two reports of birds and fish dying for unknown reasons ... and we're talking into the thousands.
That's scary. Reasons were given yet it has me wondering why in this year, and why hasn't this happened before that it would make the news. Re the birds, fireworks? Hail? Some sort of sickness? Why now?
I don't mean to be a doomsayer but hello...are these signs?
Earthquakes, floods, mudslides, snow falling in Phoenix, Arizona....
Okay, so in the back of my mind 2012 does come into play. There are literally hundreds of books on this subject, one of which I do have and will closely read as the days pass by.
Meantime, I'm appreciating every day I have here and again hope to make the year 2011 a good one for not only myself but also for those I touch in terms of connections.
Okay, let me go get my tax folders and get ready for the tax man!
This again puts a whole lot of stuff into perspective. Time does not wait, and as we or as I get older it definitely does not stand still.
I do know the more I approach another milestone which will come mid year for me I definitely will try to live my life in a way that appreciates more and more what I have in the present.
I'll do what needs to be done but by the same token focus more on living a better life, and hopefully helping others do as well.
I think enjoying the company of others -- friends and family, even strangers we may encounter at the supermarket, drugstore, or anywhere that brings people together.
I know when I was years younger I felt I had all the time in the world. Lately, I feel that less and less as I go through my ordinary days. It doesn't necessarily mean I want to travel a lot although that is in the mix, but I think more toward learning, understanding, and grasping even just a little of the mysteries that surround us all.
Just this week there were two reports of birds and fish dying for unknown reasons ... and we're talking into the thousands.
That's scary. Reasons were given yet it has me wondering why in this year, and why hasn't this happened before that it would make the news. Re the birds, fireworks? Hail? Some sort of sickness? Why now?
I don't mean to be a doomsayer but hello...are these signs?
Earthquakes, floods, mudslides, snow falling in Phoenix, Arizona....
Okay, so in the back of my mind 2012 does come into play. There are literally hundreds of books on this subject, one of which I do have and will closely read as the days pass by.
Meantime, I'm appreciating every day I have here and again hope to make the year 2011 a good one for not only myself but also for those I touch in terms of connections.
Okay, let me go get my tax folders and get ready for the tax man!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Christmas Past
In a week it will be Christmas 2010.
Sometimes it helps to put things into perspective. Many of us have been hustling around trying to get everything completed before that day. I remember years ago shopping til I dropped (literally) at the various malls and toy stores to ensure that beneath the tree my family put up was filled with packages. The best time I think is when the kids are small and still believe in Santa Claus. The part I loved the best was to shop inside a toy store bringing out the child in me that I'm sure still exists to this day.
For the past several months I have been putting together a project that is comprised of letters written by my parents throughout the years of World War II. These are letters filled with both hope and despair, and a lot of frustration. War pretty much not only causes so much mental and physical pain in the lives of families, it can present an everlasting effect on those families. The more I read my parents' letters the more I now understand what they must have gone through and why their thinking was different from mine and especially from those who aren't torn from their families for weeks, months, years at a time.
Here I will share three letters written around Christmas 1943 that I think show pretty much the state of affair that our country was in in respect to those who were called to duty to serve our country. The first two are from my mom to my dad, and the third is from my dad to my mom. I now only wish they were still here so that I could sit down and talk to them more on what they went through during those most difficult years when our country's very existence was at stake.
Sure gifts under the tree are great but spending it with loved ones is probably the best gift that anyone can enjoy at this time of year.
453 Albany Avenue Hartford , CT
Fort Meade , MD 453 Albany Avenue Hartford , CT
Fort Meade , Md
453 Albany Avenue Hartford , CT
Sometimes it helps to put things into perspective. Many of us have been hustling around trying to get everything completed before that day. I remember years ago shopping til I dropped (literally) at the various malls and toy stores to ensure that beneath the tree my family put up was filled with packages. The best time I think is when the kids are small and still believe in Santa Claus. The part I loved the best was to shop inside a toy store bringing out the child in me that I'm sure still exists to this day.
For the past several months I have been putting together a project that is comprised of letters written by my parents throughout the years of World War II. These are letters filled with both hope and despair, and a lot of frustration. War pretty much not only causes so much mental and physical pain in the lives of families, it can present an everlasting effect on those families. The more I read my parents' letters the more I now understand what they must have gone through and why their thinking was different from mine and especially from those who aren't torn from their families for weeks, months, years at a time.
Here I will share three letters written around Christmas 1943 that I think show pretty much the state of affair that our country was in in respect to those who were called to duty to serve our country. The first two are from my mom to my dad, and the third is from my dad to my mom. I now only wish they were still here so that I could sit down and talk to them more on what they went through during those most difficult years when our country's very existence was at stake.
Sure gifts under the tree are great but spending it with loved ones is probably the best gift that anyone can enjoy at this time of year.
Mrs. Louis Visone
Pvt. Louis Visone
Co A 13 Btn 4 Regt.
December 14, 1943
Dear Lou,
Is anything wrong? Are you all right. I’m half out of my mind with worry for I haven’t heard from you since you went back. I am so worried and am in such a nervous state that I asked Mamie to go to the Red Cross for me to find out what happened to you for I am so worried and I haven’t been able to sleep or eat. Lou, why don’t you write and why don’t you let me know where you are? I’ve been waiting for you to write but I could stand it anymore so I am writing to the last place you were and please let me know for I won’t be able to rest until you do. So Lou if you can write to me for I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Until I hear from you I remain your loving wife. Betty
---------------------------------------------------------------
December 23, 1943
Pvt. Louis Visone
Co A Casual Bn
A.C.E. R.D. #1
31342377
Dear Lou,
Did you receive the check I sent for you to sign? I want you to send it right away because it does not belong to me for I have borrowed all of it for the past few months and the party I borrowed it from needs it very badly now. I thought I could pay a little at a time from my Gov. check but found it impossible and I had to cash the bonds all I had in the world and now I am left with nothing to fall back on.
So Lou sign it as soon as possible so that I can give it to the party I borrowed it from. I certainly could use a little of it myself for the Gov. check does not last through the month.
I feel bad because I can’t send you anything for Christmas except all my love. And I don’t want you to feel bad either for in our position right now it is impossible.
After all I won’t want anything for I am spending a quiet day at home for as you know I can’t stand noise and excitement. I am hoping you are well, that is all I want. Things are the same. I’ve been kept in with a cold. How are you Lou? I miss your letters for that is all I look forward to and now that I only get one a week makes me more miserable and when I do get one it doesn’t say much and I have a feeling you are keeping something from me.
How is your ear Lou? Does it still bother you? It’s pretty awful when you are sick and can’t have anything done for it. I hope it doesn’t get any worse for I worry about it, for I know how you have always had trouble with it, when you were at home.
Well Lou, I haven’t much more to say except I’m wishing you a Merry Christmas and hope the New Year will be a better one for us. I’m hoping we won’t have to go through this much longer. Well Lou, bye for now. I can’t write much more for my eyes are kind of heavy tonight and I have one of my headaches. So until I hear from you I remain your loving wife, Betty.
PS I will remind you again about the check. I do hope you got it and it isn’t lost for if it is I don’t know how I’ll pay it back. Lou, I had a woman visitor yesterday and I believe is from the Selective Board. So I believe that things are going to change for me as she saw the condition I am in and how it is impossible for me to work and support myself.
I’ve also heard from Miller and am sorry to hear that he is ill with the flu. But he has done what he promised and now all we can do is wait and I hope before long we will hear some good news instead of all the bad news I’ve been getting and all the bad luck I’ve been having.
So Lou, behave yourself and have a nice Christmas. Did you receive the package Rose put it up for you for I have no money until I get my next month’s check. I hope you enjoy it and I’ll say bye for now.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pvt Louis
Co A Casual Bn
A C F Repl Depot #1
Fort George Meade, MD
Mrs. Betty
December 25, 1943
Dear Honey,
I do hope that you had enjoyed your xmas very much. We all were given xmas presents by our company commander. In a way I tried to enjoy myself, but I always kept thinking of you, wondering if you were enjoying yourself or not.
Just think, the same time last year I was home and very happy about it too. But I hope that I don’t spend another one in the army or the guard house.
I sent you the money by Western Union so that you would have it before xmas. I had my mailman do it for me which I think it was swell of him to go to all the bother. I had thought that it would cost about $5 which I didn’t care either but it only cost $2.39 which wasn’t bad at all.
I sent it out Friday noon and you should have gotten it that same day, so let me know how long it did take and also if you got it in the first place because sometimes Western Union does make mistakes.
I have the receipt in case it doesn’t get to you. I still didn’t get the package, but it if does come I may not be here.
We just got mail call but I dill didn’t get any from you, why I don’t know.
Why it is that I only got one letter from you since I’ve been here I don’t know but it’s probably the mail is too slow.
So honey, I’ll sign off now and hope to hear from you soon,
Love Lou.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Who Am I?
I ask this question because yesterday while driving through the next town over for an appointment I found myself on familiar streets. I hadn't been over in the area for some months. In fact I really haven't been driving too much anywhere because of the cold winter. I tend to hibernate.
Yesterday before getting to my appointment I had a little time and decided to stop in at a health food store - Supernatural -- for a quick snack. One of the streets I took was close to a house my late husband and I used to own, a rental property actually.
It amazes me how somewhere in our subconscious minds we react to things in such a way that it is beyond out control. That is what happened to me yesterday.
I felt myself pushed back in time, well over ten years ago when my late husband and I and a partner of ours were involved in rental properties. I actually became a little disoriented because the person I am now is different than who I was back then. Emotions flooded over me and that started a panic attack that I quickly brought under control by simply bringing myself back into the present. Yet it was enough to let me know that memories from our past affect us in ways that we might need to be careful, especially when they hit us like a huge snowball, which is how I felt had occurred as I pulled into the parking lot.
Quite a few people have disappeared from my life over the last eight years since entering widowhood and the fact that I live alone with a small dog only brings that fact more to light. At one point I was employed, had many friends, kept in touch with relatives, my parents and my in-laws still around then but all have passed since.
This time of year was always a busy and fun time for me as I prepared for the holiday season. There was never enough time to do it all but we managed, wrapping presents for the kids way past midnight so that beneath the tree the next morning they would find a slew of bright colored packages.
One of those fiber optic trees sits in my bay window. That's about the extent of my decorations. Better than last year as I didn't bother to even put that up.
Today I wrapped a dozen packages for family and friends. That's about the extent of it.
I do miss those hectic busy times; the parties, the gaiety, the wonderful anticipation of seeing the look on family and friends' faces when they opened presents.
Some of those memories also came to me yesterday while driving through the streets past the house we once owned. It was like stepping over a threshold from present into past and back again, which is probably what caused my disorientation. Then again at my age vertigo is more common than not.
I am grateful I have good memories of past Christmases, and hope to make more of them for the future so that eventually when I'm sitting alone without even a pet by my side I can step over another threshold and realize that at one point in time my life was all there in place for me to enjoy.
I think my more simpler life serves to remind me why I am celebrating this holiday. Each night I read a chapter of Leith Anderson's book Jesus, which chronicles His life in a way that helps me understand more of not only the man but His purpose here on earth. Each night when I slip into bed ensuring my dog is snuggly warm on her own blanket, I reach for this book and pull myself into another world, one that occurred so many years ago yet continues to affect the lives of many here on earth.
We celebrate His birth, and rejoice, and know that no matter what happens in our own lives we are never alone for He is always with us to help us through whatever difficult times we may have.
I look forward to the end of each day when I can transport myself back to those simpler times where life I believe made a bit more sense in terms of knowing who we are and where we are going.
Yesterday before getting to my appointment I had a little time and decided to stop in at a health food store - Supernatural -- for a quick snack. One of the streets I took was close to a house my late husband and I used to own, a rental property actually.
It amazes me how somewhere in our subconscious minds we react to things in such a way that it is beyond out control. That is what happened to me yesterday.
I felt myself pushed back in time, well over ten years ago when my late husband and I and a partner of ours were involved in rental properties. I actually became a little disoriented because the person I am now is different than who I was back then. Emotions flooded over me and that started a panic attack that I quickly brought under control by simply bringing myself back into the present. Yet it was enough to let me know that memories from our past affect us in ways that we might need to be careful, especially when they hit us like a huge snowball, which is how I felt had occurred as I pulled into the parking lot.
Quite a few people have disappeared from my life over the last eight years since entering widowhood and the fact that I live alone with a small dog only brings that fact more to light. At one point I was employed, had many friends, kept in touch with relatives, my parents and my in-laws still around then but all have passed since.
This time of year was always a busy and fun time for me as I prepared for the holiday season. There was never enough time to do it all but we managed, wrapping presents for the kids way past midnight so that beneath the tree the next morning they would find a slew of bright colored packages.
One of those fiber optic trees sits in my bay window. That's about the extent of my decorations. Better than last year as I didn't bother to even put that up.
Today I wrapped a dozen packages for family and friends. That's about the extent of it.
I do miss those hectic busy times; the parties, the gaiety, the wonderful anticipation of seeing the look on family and friends' faces when they opened presents.
Some of those memories also came to me yesterday while driving through the streets past the house we once owned. It was like stepping over a threshold from present into past and back again, which is probably what caused my disorientation. Then again at my age vertigo is more common than not.
I am grateful I have good memories of past Christmases, and hope to make more of them for the future so that eventually when I'm sitting alone without even a pet by my side I can step over another threshold and realize that at one point in time my life was all there in place for me to enjoy.
I think my more simpler life serves to remind me why I am celebrating this holiday. Each night I read a chapter of Leith Anderson's book Jesus, which chronicles His life in a way that helps me understand more of not only the man but His purpose here on earth. Each night when I slip into bed ensuring my dog is snuggly warm on her own blanket, I reach for this book and pull myself into another world, one that occurred so many years ago yet continues to affect the lives of many here on earth.
We celebrate His birth, and rejoice, and know that no matter what happens in our own lives we are never alone for He is always with us to help us through whatever difficult times we may have.
I look forward to the end of each day when I can transport myself back to those simpler times where life I believe made a bit more sense in terms of knowing who we are and where we are going.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Boots Are Out
Yep, my I took my snowboots out this morning and put them on. I'm ready to venture out today after a light snow fell here last night.
I'm lucky though, I have a very dependable young man who plows my driveway and shovels my walks. Of course I pay him to do this, but knowing that he's out there to do this alleviates worry on my part.
Winter isn't easy especially for those of us who live in houses where we need to do our own thing. I almost moved into a condo last year but decided against it for several reasons. I think because I am comfortable where I am, know my neighbors, and frankly it's quiet here and offers the kind of retreat that is not found in most places.
One year I stayed at my sons who lives in a very nice area, but the Interstate is not far from them and at night I could hear the trucks driving through the Connecticut roads, even with windows closed.
Here I don't have those kind of noises and in fact at night there is very little traffic that goes by again offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle common in most communites where traffic noises are steady and constant.
My backyard also offers some nice scenary in all seasons. The first snow is always special and reminds me that indeed we do move from season to season and nothing ever stays the same.
In our youth we may be fooled to think that it's always going to be the way it is but as we grow older we soon discover that it all changes, and the changes are probably the one thing that we can count on.
Nothing stays the same. Each new season brings forth its own special "thing." This season is my eighth season without my late husband and so I am quite used to celebrating a Christmas without the traditions that we had established throughout the years I was married.
In fact I don't really do much anymore. I did my thing...decorating a "real" tree, putting out all the other decorations around the house, baking cookies, and getting ready for the various parties that take place during this time of year.
Of course I've cut back a lot now. It's easier for me. I think it actually helps me to accept more and more that as life changes, traditions are changed as well.
The one thing that doesn't change is getting out those snow boots, putting them on, and feeling quite empowered to get out there and make my way over an icy driveway or a partially snow covered walk way, or through a parking lot that hasn't yet been plowed.
Yep, I really like my snow boots. They are one of the things that tell me yes, Marie, you will get through another winter just fine as long as you wear snow boots.
I'm lucky though, I have a very dependable young man who plows my driveway and shovels my walks. Of course I pay him to do this, but knowing that he's out there to do this alleviates worry on my part.
Winter isn't easy especially for those of us who live in houses where we need to do our own thing. I almost moved into a condo last year but decided against it for several reasons. I think because I am comfortable where I am, know my neighbors, and frankly it's quiet here and offers the kind of retreat that is not found in most places.
One year I stayed at my sons who lives in a very nice area, but the Interstate is not far from them and at night I could hear the trucks driving through the Connecticut roads, even with windows closed.
Here I don't have those kind of noises and in fact at night there is very little traffic that goes by again offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle common in most communites where traffic noises are steady and constant.
My backyard also offers some nice scenary in all seasons. The first snow is always special and reminds me that indeed we do move from season to season and nothing ever stays the same.
In our youth we may be fooled to think that it's always going to be the way it is but as we grow older we soon discover that it all changes, and the changes are probably the one thing that we can count on.
Nothing stays the same. Each new season brings forth its own special "thing." This season is my eighth season without my late husband and so I am quite used to celebrating a Christmas without the traditions that we had established throughout the years I was married.
In fact I don't really do much anymore. I did my thing...decorating a "real" tree, putting out all the other decorations around the house, baking cookies, and getting ready for the various parties that take place during this time of year.
Of course I've cut back a lot now. It's easier for me. I think it actually helps me to accept more and more that as life changes, traditions are changed as well.
The one thing that doesn't change is getting out those snow boots, putting them on, and feeling quite empowered to get out there and make my way over an icy driveway or a partially snow covered walk way, or through a parking lot that hasn't yet been plowed.
Yep, I really like my snow boots. They are one of the things that tell me yes, Marie, you will get through another winter just fine as long as you wear snow boots.
Friday, November 5, 2010
LETTERS - A Great Love Story
Most every night I have had the opportunity, actually a unique opportunity, to be with my parents in a sense who have both passed on. Mom died April 6, 2003 and my dad followed shortly behind on June 13, 2003. Those two days are of course embedded into my mind and will follow me when it comes my time to cross over.
So far I have typed into the computer (and saved on a flash drive) 60 letters from my mom to my dad during the period of 1937 thru 1944. And now I'm doing the same with my dad's letters. There are more letters from him at least 40 more, in fact last night I typed letter 43. I will eventually put them into a book format (both ebook and hard bound) for my kids and grandkids.
I do know while reading these letters I am getting glimpses into the man and the woman that I did not know while growing up in their home. The dad I know worked a lot of hours painting, roofing, and putting on siding. It was not an easy life for him but I can now see why he needed to be his own boss. During his service in the military he was not happy with the system. Probably because he should have been one of the higher ups giving the orders rather than taking them. My mom on the other hand was quite fragile, and from the bits and pieces of her life she did not have it easy from the time she was four years old up until my dad was finally discharged from the service.
It was not easy for anyone during that period when our country was at war. Rationing of much of what we take for granted: gas, sugar, flour, oil, etc., was not readily available for the folks on the homefront. A couple of my dad's letters had him spending Easter, Christmas, and his birthday alone, or in some cold unfriendly barracks, wishing for what he called my mom's "home-mades," namely homemade pasta. He loved his pasta!
My mom did not work outside the home. She stayed in a small apartment in Hartford (Albany Avenue) and often would go over to her sisters for both company and meals. Only a month before her death did my sister and I learned that she had spent time in an orphanage. We knew both of my maternal grandparents died within a year of each other; my grandmother from TB, my grandfather from the 1918 influenza that hit the world hard. We did not know she spent her childhood into adolescence inside that orphanage, explaining so many things to us why she lived in a state of anxiety, depression, and fear through our own formative years.
Yet from these letters I can see my dad and mom truly wanted to be together. Yes, there were problems in their relationship, especially after my mom's breakdown when my sister and I were only four. She disappeared from our own lives for a time and of course that has probably affected our own sense of an abandonment issue where we needed to deal with our own bouts of anxiety, depression, and fears.
.
But in the whole scheme of things mom and dad truly loved each other. They were married in 1938 and they passed on in 2003...65 years together.
I call this a true love story. They had very little while my dad served his country. Yet in his letters he promised her the house with the white picket fence, and whatever else she wanted. I remember growing up on the corner of Berkshire Road and Litchfield Place in Rocky Hill, Connecticut inside a small five room yellow ranch house (called tract housing.) And yes there was a pristine white picket fence that surrounded the small yard. Also what they called a wooded stockade fence covered in beautiful red roses.
I feel their presence quite strongly at times, and for me it comforts me especially knowing that they are together still. I'll continue to finish typing all of these letters and as I do they will continue to provide a great love story; a love story that many never get to enjoy because I think many quit on each other too soon.
So far I have typed into the computer (and saved on a flash drive) 60 letters from my mom to my dad during the period of 1937 thru 1944. And now I'm doing the same with my dad's letters. There are more letters from him at least 40 more, in fact last night I typed letter 43. I will eventually put them into a book format (both ebook and hard bound) for my kids and grandkids.
I do know while reading these letters I am getting glimpses into the man and the woman that I did not know while growing up in their home. The dad I know worked a lot of hours painting, roofing, and putting on siding. It was not an easy life for him but I can now see why he needed to be his own boss. During his service in the military he was not happy with the system. Probably because he should have been one of the higher ups giving the orders rather than taking them. My mom on the other hand was quite fragile, and from the bits and pieces of her life she did not have it easy from the time she was four years old up until my dad was finally discharged from the service.
It was not easy for anyone during that period when our country was at war. Rationing of much of what we take for granted: gas, sugar, flour, oil, etc., was not readily available for the folks on the homefront. A couple of my dad's letters had him spending Easter, Christmas, and his birthday alone, or in some cold unfriendly barracks, wishing for what he called my mom's "home-mades," namely homemade pasta. He loved his pasta!
My mom did not work outside the home. She stayed in a small apartment in Hartford (Albany Avenue) and often would go over to her sisters for both company and meals. Only a month before her death did my sister and I learned that she had spent time in an orphanage. We knew both of my maternal grandparents died within a year of each other; my grandmother from TB, my grandfather from the 1918 influenza that hit the world hard. We did not know she spent her childhood into adolescence inside that orphanage, explaining so many things to us why she lived in a state of anxiety, depression, and fear through our own formative years.
Yet from these letters I can see my dad and mom truly wanted to be together. Yes, there were problems in their relationship, especially after my mom's breakdown when my sister and I were only four. She disappeared from our own lives for a time and of course that has probably affected our own sense of an abandonment issue where we needed to deal with our own bouts of anxiety, depression, and fears.
.
But in the whole scheme of things mom and dad truly loved each other. They were married in 1938 and they passed on in 2003...65 years together.
I call this a true love story. They had very little while my dad served his country. Yet in his letters he promised her the house with the white picket fence, and whatever else she wanted. I remember growing up on the corner of Berkshire Road and Litchfield Place in Rocky Hill, Connecticut inside a small five room yellow ranch house (called tract housing.) And yes there was a pristine white picket fence that surrounded the small yard. Also what they called a wooded stockade fence covered in beautiful red roses.
I feel their presence quite strongly at times, and for me it comforts me especially knowing that they are together still. I'll continue to finish typing all of these letters and as I do they will continue to provide a great love story; a love story that many never get to enjoy because I think many quit on each other too soon.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November Already!
I can't believe October 2010 has passed and I'm wondering where that month went. These months go by so fast, too darn fast for my liking. I was no sooner celebrating the Fourth of July when I find myself this past weekend removing make up after attending a Halloween dance and voila now we're into November 2010.
Now I'm having to think about Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holidays that follow, plus start to worry about the cold weather, and the elements of sleet, snow, and ice that come along with at this time of year.
I've found by taking it one day at a time is probably going to be the best route to take.
Last night I enjoyed a great meal of Baramundie fish, steamed veggies and a nice glass of wine. Well there were two glasses except the first one found its way on to my hardwood living room floor, the glass breaking into a thousand pieces. For me it was almost a forewarning of things to come. Not sure what that's going to be but sooner or later I'm sure I'll find out. Back problems, an unfocused mind, plus other distractions has prevented me from focusing where I should and want to focus, namely my stories.
I have this thing about premonitions. I used to freak out relatives back when I was younger, experiencing dreams or so-called visions stemming form simple thoughts inside my mind that were more or less right on the money.
Sometimes they were good, sometimes there were not so good thoughts.
I picked up the pieces of glass last night and thought this is pretty much what we all find ourselves doing at one time or another, which is picking up the pieces of our lives when at times we don't see too clearly where exactly that life is headed or perhaps more so where we might want that life to go. It's always a good thing to have a plan, except even with plans in place, things go awry.
One things I've learned over the years especially the past eight years is never to hold high expectations about most things because it prevents experiencing those disappointments when life can suddenly take a different course.
Still, predictability, especially after a certain age is not so bad in the whole scheme of things.
Predictability, or the certainty of knowing things are okay allows me to focus back on the creative process. Unpredictability in life distracts me to the point that my mind can't wrap itself around any of my latest projects.
And lately my writing life has left the tracks so to speak. Plus I haven't been as disciplined in getting my stories written, stuck somewhere inside my head waiting for their release.
There's always one other more thing to do; cook meals, clean up, walk the dog, attend a dance, spend time with family and friends, make another chiropractor session, etc., etc. Things that all writers are faced with when making that decision to simply sit in front of a computer and write.
One of the plusses of winter I guess is the weather will keep me indoors more than outdoors. I don't do well in the cold. Except for bundling up once a day to take my dog for her walk, I will hopefully find myself sitting here at my computer cranking out the necessary words and pages that eventually comprises my next story.
Meantime, I'm going to go get another Snicker bar from the plastic pumpkin sitting on my dining room table.
Now I'm having to think about Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holidays that follow, plus start to worry about the cold weather, and the elements of sleet, snow, and ice that come along with at this time of year.
I've found by taking it one day at a time is probably going to be the best route to take.
Last night I enjoyed a great meal of Baramundie fish, steamed veggies and a nice glass of wine. Well there were two glasses except the first one found its way on to my hardwood living room floor, the glass breaking into a thousand pieces. For me it was almost a forewarning of things to come. Not sure what that's going to be but sooner or later I'm sure I'll find out. Back problems, an unfocused mind, plus other distractions has prevented me from focusing where I should and want to focus, namely my stories.
I have this thing about premonitions. I used to freak out relatives back when I was younger, experiencing dreams or so-called visions stemming form simple thoughts inside my mind that were more or less right on the money.
Sometimes they were good, sometimes there were not so good thoughts.
I picked up the pieces of glass last night and thought this is pretty much what we all find ourselves doing at one time or another, which is picking up the pieces of our lives when at times we don't see too clearly where exactly that life is headed or perhaps more so where we might want that life to go. It's always a good thing to have a plan, except even with plans in place, things go awry.
One things I've learned over the years especially the past eight years is never to hold high expectations about most things because it prevents experiencing those disappointments when life can suddenly take a different course.
Still, predictability, especially after a certain age is not so bad in the whole scheme of things.
Predictability, or the certainty of knowing things are okay allows me to focus back on the creative process. Unpredictability in life distracts me to the point that my mind can't wrap itself around any of my latest projects.
And lately my writing life has left the tracks so to speak. Plus I haven't been as disciplined in getting my stories written, stuck somewhere inside my head waiting for their release.
There's always one other more thing to do; cook meals, clean up, walk the dog, attend a dance, spend time with family and friends, make another chiropractor session, etc., etc. Things that all writers are faced with when making that decision to simply sit in front of a computer and write.
One of the plusses of winter I guess is the weather will keep me indoors more than outdoors. I don't do well in the cold. Except for bundling up once a day to take my dog for her walk, I will hopefully find myself sitting here at my computer cranking out the necessary words and pages that eventually comprises my next story.
Meantime, I'm going to go get another Snicker bar from the plastic pumpkin sitting on my dining room table.
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